Beat butter and sugar in an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy.

Add the grated ginger and molasses, beat until combined.

Sift the flour and spices into a separate bowl.

Add flour 1/3 of the flour mix to the butter mixture and stir until combined.

Add ½ of the baking soda mix to the butter mixture and mix until combined.

Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the flour and baking soda are all combined.

Turn to mixture onto a bench and press into a ball, you may need some extra flour as it will be quite sticky.

Wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Divide the mixture into two balls and roll one part between two pieces of non-stick baking paper. Roll to about 5mm thick then use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes.

Place the shapes onto a tray lined with non-stick baking paper and decorate.

Repeat rolling and cutting until the mixture is used up.

Place the biscuits in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C.

Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until they start to brown at the edges.

Allow the biscuits to cool on the tray as they will still be soft when they come out of the oven.

]]>Eleisha Nylund, QLDhttps://bowerbird.net.au/eleisha-nylund-qld/
Sat, 18 Nov 2017 04:32:52 +0000https://bowerbird.net.au/?p=4482Read More →]]>In a world full of mass production, Nylund stands out. With a focus on using traditional leather crafting techniques, designer Eleisha Nylund handmakes beautiful pieces that are timeless, durable and functional. We had a chat to Eleisha about her journey and inspirations, and got a sneaky hint at an exciting new collaboration to be launched at Bowerbird!

1. For those who don’t know, how would you describe your work?

‘Nylund’ is handcrafted leather goods. My work combines traditional leather crafting techniques with modern technology, to produce durable and timeless pieces that hone the beauty and quality of the handmade which has been lost through mass production. They are designed and built to become part of your story and bear the signs of a life alongside of you. ‘Nylund’ is defined by functionality, durability, traditional craft and customization.

2. How did your journey begin? Who or what inspired you to work in your field?

I have been working in leather for a little over 5 years. I was drawn to it because of its raw, natural, and unpredictable nature. I had been a jeweller for 8 years prior and was looking for a medium that was warmer and completely different to what I had become used to working in.

I learnt the basic skills to leather craft from one of my jewellery students, who did leather craft as a hobby. One weekend we sat around his workbench and he taught me how to saddle-stitch and the basics of working with vegetable-tanned leather. Since then it has been experimentation and much practice.

‘Nylund’ has only been ‘Nylund’ for about eighteen months, prior to this my brand was known as ‘chocolate brownie’. The rebrand occurred because I was seeking a visual identity that aligned more with my product, something more sexy and masculine. I also wanted a brand that will allow me to expand my product line beyond just leather goods.

3. What’s a typical day like for you?

There are two constants about my days… coffee and studio location. My day always begins with coffee from some of my favourite humans. My studio is in Brisbane city, hidden away in a beautiful old building from the 1920s. Once I’ve made my way there, how my day unfolds is very project based.

4. Which other designers are you looking forward to seeing at Bowerbird?

Marit Hammer, I’m currently studying gemology so am pretty keen to see the crystals. Alfie and Audrey, I love vintage Danish furniture!

5. What’s your favourite piece of your own work that will be available at Bowerbird?

Oooo that is a tough one! I love my briefcase and duffle, I think they’re incredibly sexy. But I’m also falling for another piece, which is a collaborative effort between me and my bestie, who is a ceramist… I’m going to keep this piece under wrap until the market though.

6. What advice would you give other aspiring artists and designers?

Just keep swimming.

]]>Loke Fong Koh, VIChttps://bowerbird.net.au/loke-fong-koh-vic/
Sun, 12 Nov 2017 01:57:00 +0000https://bowerbird.net.au/?p=4422Read More →]]>Loke is the brains behind Three1Design, an innovative brand famously known for their classy cable solutions; that is, keeping all those pesky tech cables organised and tangle free, whilst still looking good! Bowerbird had a chat to Loke about his journey, inspirations and popular Magnetic Cable Organiser range.

1. For those who don’t know, how would you describe your work?

I am an engineer/product designer. My work is to use my design skills and technical knowledge to improve the way that existing products work and look, or to design entirely new products.

2. How did your journey begin? Who or what inspired you to begin in your field?

I am the founder of Three1Design, established in 2014. MACO (Magnetic Cable Organiser) was brought to life with the help of 1,800 supporters on Kickstarter ( a crowd-funding platform). Prior to Kickstarter, I was working as a product design engineer at a design consultancy in Melbourne. After the success of the first campaign, I decided to pursue my dream full-time. Since then, MACO has seen their cable management system embraced and enjoyed by thousands of users around the world, and the MACO range can be found at quality design stores globally. Two years on, the company’s mission remains the same; crafting solutions to keep cables neatly organised and tangle-free.

3. What’s a typical day like for you?

Sometimes I work from home, sometimes I go to a shared office where is located about 30 mins away from home. The typical routine for the day – get a coffee (a must) in the morning with breakfast, then check the tasks for the day according to priority. Such as order fulfillment, manage inventory level, liaise with suppliers, checking emails, customer support, social media marketing, research and etc…

4. Which other designers are you looking forward to seeing at Bowerbird?

Emma Kate Co., Memobottle (both are our friends!) and Joeyjellybean.

5. What’s your favourite piece of your own work that will be available at Bowerbird?

Kitty Came Home and Dana Kinter are Bowerbird icons; one is known for their unique, hand-crafted range of accessories, and the other her signature prints. Now, after years in the making, the pair have joined forces in a wonderful creative collaboration to be launched at Bowerbird in November.

Dana’s exclusive artwork will feature in a limited edition, artist collection of Kitty Came Home’s clutches, in a collaboration titled ‘When It Is Dark Enough You Can See The Stars’ – a beautiful reminder to look to the stars, to see new beginnings, free ourselves from worries and remember that darkness will pass and the sun will shine again in the morning.

The group’s journey together stems back to the 1990s, when Kitty Came Home’s, Katrina Weber, met Dana whilst sitting a drawing test together to enter art school. Katrina and her partner, Farley, had long dreamed of printing their own fabrics for the Kitty Came Home collection, and in 2013, when Dana held her first solo art exhibition, her work became the obvious choice for their first fabric print collaboration.

‘A chief element of our product design is the display and protection of each fabric’, says Farley.

‘So it was immediately apparent that our clutches would provide an excellent platform from which to showcase other artists’ work’.

Enter Dana, who was so pleased with how her images printed onto fabrics for a recent Gorman collaboration, she saw this was an exciting path she could take her makings down.

‘Working with my friends at Kitty Came Home was the perfect collaboration for printing more of my artwork onto fabric,’ she says.

The exclusive collection will be available in three clutch sizes (Plus. Standard and Mini), with each featuring it’s own unique identifying print number on the inner lining. With many of Dana’s artworks inspired by the native flora and fauna around her (Dana lives in the Fleurieu Peninsula), the prints will feature a protea flower and our native feathered friend, the Silvereye.

There are only a limited number of clutches available, making this collection a rare, true collector’s dream. You can be the first to buy at November’s Bowerbird Design Market, following the event they will be available to purchase at www.kittycamehome.com, and www.danakinterartdesign.com

]]>Adelady’s Bowerbird Pickshttps://bowerbird.net.au/adelady-bowerbird-picks/
Sun, 05 Nov 2017 02:12:41 +0000https://bowerbird.net.au/?p=4385Read More →]]>Hayley & Lauren from Adelady filled us in on their must-have finds at November Bowerbird!

1. Unforgettable Products

We have such a sweet tooth we try not to keep treats lying around. These mini meringues somehow manage to slip through the cracks every time though! YUM!

2. White Soaps

We like to smell good enough to eat at all times, so these handmade soaps are amazing.

When Janice Inducil migrated to Australia she found herself constantly thinking about her home country, the Philippines, and the quality of life those living in the poorest provinces experience. Determined to assist in ending the painful cycle of poverty, discrimination and marginalisation caused by lack of education, Kandila Co was born.
‘I have been making candles on the side for friends for 3 years now- I thought it made sense that I start a candle company, but I wanted to align with my personal belief that everyone in the world should get access to education,’ says Janice.

Janice does this by giving half of her profits to education-based charities, currently working with the Australian Foundation for Fostering Learning in the Philippines.
‘Our first donation will be used to fund one of their key programs in Taloma District, Mindanao in the Southern Philippines,’ says Janice.
‘Moreover, we’ve been tirelessly growing brand awareness by signing up new stockists and attending markets, just to get the word out there about our little candle company and therefore growing our donation-counter every day!’

The candles themselves are made from natural, GMM-free soy wax, perfectly blended with Australian-made fragrance oil, using lead-free, natural fibre wicks. Each one is carefully hand-poured into hand-blown, reusable and food grade borosilicate glass or recyclable aluminium travel tins, prepared and packed by Janice at her studio in Melbourne.

‘We’re hoping that through Kandila Co we can support more children from marginalised backgrounds all over the globe,’ says Janice.

‘We’ve only just launched in March this year, but we’re already aiming to support more charities in the coming months.’

]]>Georgia Walker, SAhttps://bowerbird.net.au/georgia-walker-sa/
Mon, 23 Oct 2017 23:08:38 +0000https://bowerbird.net.au/?p=4346Read More →]]>Georgia Walker’s ‘Cha Cha’ earrings are the perfect summer accessory! Hand-made in her Adelaide studio, Bowerbird had a chat to Georgia about how her journey started, her inspirations, and exciting new ‘Cha Cha’ range.

1. For those who don’t know, how would you describe your work?

My Cha Cha earring range is bold, bright and are the most fun your ears can have!

2. How did your journey begin? Who or what inspired you to begin in your field?

I actually started out working with silver in early 2015, with a series of work exploring ideas of text and texture. I moved into my tassel range at the end of 2016 as my obsession with fun and festive earrings exploded! My interest in the relationship between people and body adornment sparked during my undergraduate studies in anthropology, and continues to inspire me.

3. What’s a typical day like for you?

I’m part way through my Master of Curatorial and Museum Studies at Adelaide Uni, so at the moment I have one designated studio day a week. On a typical studio day I spend my time making and filling orders as well as working up new colours combinations and designs.

4. Which other designers are you looking forward to seeing at Bowerbird?

My sister hand makes the most beautiful candles in the Adelaide Hills and this November will be her Bowerbird debut where she is releasing two new summer fragrances, so I can’t wait to see Etikette Candles!

5. What’s your favourite piece of your own work that will be available at Bowerbird?

I’m really excited about my new range, which has a series of fun new colour combinations that I love! My favourite is the watermelon inspired Cha Cha’s featuring minty green, pinks and blue.

6. What advice would you give other aspiring artists and designers?

My advice for other aspiring artists and designers is to give everything a go, pat yourself on the back for achievements (no matter how small they are!) and get out there and meet other makers and designers.

Etikette

These South Australian made candles are my absolute favourite, each different scent is dedicated to a particular area of South Australia and of course, Yorkes is my favourite!

My Vintage Earth

Concrete planters are the perfect Christmas present for the person who has everything because you can’t really have enough indoor greenery in your home!

Lisa Peri Ceramics

These ceramic pieces are so earthy and comforting, I’m becoming a little addicted! There is something so comforting about eating and drinking out of a handmade vessel.

Rhi Creative

I love being organised with my stationery and have a box or two of Rhi Creative’s ready for any occasion, they are so unique and made from recycled paper with Rhi’s gorgeous modern designs. So fun.

Namoi Designs

Always a favourite for some classic basics in my wardrobe, and super comfy which is a must for me!

Stephanie James-Manttan

For the person who has everything and has beautiful taste, a piece from Stephanie’s range will make you very popular! Adore the exquisite designs and I dream of a shelf with 3 beautiful white vessels sitting there proudly!

Three1Design

I can’t live without my phone and I love good design so this charger is a yes from me. Straight to the top of my Christmas Wishlist!

]]>Miss Lyndal Jay, SAhttps://bowerbird.net.au/miss-lyndal-jay-sa/
Sat, 14 Oct 2017 02:31:40 +0000https://bowerbird.net.au/?p=4303Read More →]]>You might not know Miss Lyndal Jay by face, but you’ll certainly know her by her stellar DJ set and cool tunes at Bowerbird. We had a chat to Lyndal about her love of radio and music, what we can expect at November’s event and most importantly, what makes a great playlist.

What inspired you to start work as a DJ?

As a kid I was inspired by the romantic mystery of radio, and the small radio station at the end of my street had me asking so many questions about the industry. When I started as a trainee with Three D Radio I took to radio broadcasting like a duck to water. A very awkward duck but a happy one!

Three D has one of the largest collections of CD and vinyl in the southern hemisphere, there is some stuff in that library you cannot “Shazam”. In that environment you can’t help but dive in and absorb as much music as you can. What started as a girl who was obsessed with Beck and dabbled in soul music I was soon sinking my teeth into Ethio-Jazz, devouring Afro Funk and stuffing my purse with First-Wave-Ska breadsticks. After a few years of sitting cozy in my Sunday radio I got a call from a listener. A guy mentioned a new bar opening up and thought my tunes may complement the vibe. DJ-ing out in public and not in my ugg boots and night-before makeup had never occurred to me, so it took a very friendly stranger to coax me out and give it a whirl. I’ve never looked back.

Tell us about your work with Three D radio?

Three D Radio is a 100% volunteer-run community station, so it’s really a labor of love for everyone involved. The familiar voices you hear on the air may also be answering the phones, recording on-air promotions or handling the office administration. All hands on deck. Since I got involved about 10 years ago I’ve been presenting the Sunday morning program. It’s a hard slog sometimes, but the privilege of working with total creative freedom and with support from lovely listeners is a treat.

Top tips for a great playlist?

The music I play isn’t particularly commercial or universally known, but that doesn’t mean that the listeners should feel alienated. I like to tailor the tunes to the event, and a good rule of thumb is to keep the rhythm cheery and upbeat and make sure the tone is warm. If in doubt just throw on Carly Rae Jepsen’s E*MO*TION and you’re good to go.

What can we expect for the music at Bowerbird?

Keep an ear out for a bit of disco, Japanese funk music, pop and R&B you won’t hear on commercial radio (no hate) and always always always soul music.

]]>From Found, SAhttps://bowerbird.net.au/from-found-sa/
Tue, 10 Oct 2017 00:07:58 +0000https://bowerbird.net.au/?p=4294Read More →]]>In the ever-evolving fashion world, South Australian label, From Found, is leading the movement in sustainable and ethical fashion, with a vision to change the mainstream industry.

From Found Creative Director, Hannah Materne is on a mission; to bring creative, ethical and sustainable clothing to the mainstream fashion market.
“We want to make people aware of the issues they can be buying into with fast fashion, and know that clothing can still encompass quality and style whilst remaining ethical and sustainable,” says Hannah.

Hannah and her team do this by having each From Found piece crafted by women from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, using ‘found’ fabrics including reclaimed, recycled and recovered textiles.
“Sourcing fabrics found is a labour of love”, says Hannah.
“We seek remnants from projects never completed, bolts of fabrics leftover from collections and old or damaged clothing that is made of good quality fabric.
“There is and never will be just one source for our fabrics but there are plenty of existing textiles in the world to create beautiful high quality pieces.”

This labour of love is also combined with a vision to see refugee and asylum seeker women empowered with the skills and training to enable them to transition into the mainstream workforce.
Hannah’s Business Partner, Lauren, worked in community development and saw the challenges women in particular faced with entering the workforce.
“She recognised the possibility of combining the women’s strengths in sewing and creativity with the opportunity to build up transferable skills and experiences for further work or study,” says Hannah.
“Currently, women from refugee backgrounds are involved both as machinists sewing our creations, and also on the From Found board making strategic decisions.”
“We also have volunteer opportunities in our workshop where women can join our nurturing environment, practice and learn English, and have fun with other women!”

The label has big goals for the future, hoping to be a go-to brand for consumers looking for ethical clothing that loves both the environment and the people making the pieces.
“We would also love to have a combined retail store and workshop one day,” says Hannah.
“We see this as an opportunity to not only give our customers the chance to enjoy selecting their one-off piece whilst visiting our workshop, but also to provide more employment options for women from refugee backgrounds.”